News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: April 2, 1997 Contact: Senator Jerry Ward 907/465-4940

Senate Passes Privatization Bill

SB 68 Creates Options for the Future

Juneau-- The Alaska Senate Wednesday passed legislation 14 to 5 to form a task force that examines privatization of state government functions as a means of saving the state money and providing higher quality services.

"Privatization will allow the State to look at options for the future that will make government work better, smarter and faster" said Senator Jerry Ward (Kenai and South Anchorage), sponsor of Senate Bill 68.

Senator Ward noted that November’s election sent a clear message to lawmakers.

"We were elected on a platform to balance Alaska’s budget without imposing taxes or using the Permanent Fund as tools to accomplish that goal," said Ward. "In order to reduce state spending, we must cut the budget and examine other methods like privatization."

The task force will be made up of Members of the Senate, Members of the House, an appointee of the Governor, Unions and the Private sector.

The task force will be required to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by November 15th, 1997. In the first year, the Departments of Transportation, Corrections, and Health and Social Services will be evaluated as well as the contracting process. In the following year, the remaining agencies will be examined.

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